13 Simple Home Upgrades to Boost Your Property Value

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You don’t have to do massive overhauls or costly renovations to increase your property’s value. In reality, there are many simple and inexpensive upgrades you can make to your home that will not only improve the look of your home, but also increase its value.

Here are 13 simple upgrades to make your home more valuable without a big budget or a professional contractor. These smart and creative upgrades bring charm, function, and value to your space.

Refresh the Paint

Painting a room can give it a completely new look without a big price tag. Neutral colors like soft grays, whites or beiges are nice because they play well with nearly everyone, and give rooms a feeling of more space. If you already love your existing colors, a little touch up of scuff marks, cracks and faded walls can go a long way to making your home feel fresh and polished.

Upgrade Lighting Fixtures

The overall ambiance of your home depends on lighting. Changing out old fixtures for new ones can give you style and warmth in your space. Look for energy efficient options and focus on how much you can enhance natural light by using less curtains/ changing lamp positioning. Even something as simple as changing the bulbs to new ones or to dimmer switches can turn how a room feels for the better.

Install a Backsplash in the Kitchen

13 Best Budget-Friendly Renovations for a Kitchen — Photo Credit: RDNE Stock project/Pexels

Backsplash can be both functional and stylish addition to any kitchen. You can protect walls from splatters and add a trendy facelift to the space with tons of peel and stick options that you can install yourself. Making this simple update can change your kitchen from looking cheap and broken to looking expensive and well maintained without spending a fortune.

Modernize the Bathroom

Buyers often put bathrooms high on their checklists, and even small improvements can show a nice return. You can replace old faucets, put a frame around your mirror, or even install new hardware such as towel racks and cabinet knobs and notice a difference. If you want to take it a step further, re-grout tiles or install a new showerhead for a quick luxury boost.

Add Crown Molding

Crown molding can elicit a little bit of elegance, and make a room more refined. It doesn’t take a pro to install it, either; most home improvement stores carry moldings that are pre-cut or have installation kits for the novice. Crown molding is a great way to add a polished, finished look to your home whether it’s in a living room, bedroom, or hallway that makes your home feel upscale.

Upgrade Your Curb Appeal

Your home’s exterior is the first thing anyone sees, and first impressions matter. A fresh mulch, a tidy lawn and some strategically placed flowers or shrubs can make a huge difference. Don’t forget to clean or paint your front door and put a new welcome mat out. Power washing the exterior of your home can help it look well kept and ready for new owners.

Switch Out Cabinet Hardware

25 Stunning Kitchen Cabinet Designs That Will Transform Your Space! — Image Credit: Charlotte May/ Pexels

Replacing cabinet hardware is one of the simplest ways to refresh a kitchen or bathroom. An old cabinet can be given a new lease on life with new handles or knobs. If you’re after a vintage feel, go for antique brass; if a modern touch is your style, aim for matte black or brushed nickel. It’s such a quick swap that can completely change the look of your cabinets without the need for a full replacement.

Install Energy Efficient Windows

Replacing old drafty windows with energy efficient windows may be a good investment. In addition to saving on energy bills, it’s a great selling point for buyers who want sustainable and cost effective homes. This is one of the bigger upgrades on this list, but it’s worth it in the long run, especially in areas with extreme seasonal weather.

Create a Home Office Space

The increasing trend of work from home has made a dedicated workspace a highly coveted thing. If you don’t already have an office, put one together in a small bedroom, corner or nook. You can turn any area whatsoever into a functional office by simply adding a simple desk, chair, and good lighting. Even if they don’t work from home full time, buyers will appreciate the added versatility.

Organize Your Closets

Well organized closets are always a selling point, and they can make a home feel larger and more functional. If you don’t have that space, try installing simple closet organizers or shelving units to maximize storage. Neatly arrange items, or put small items into baskets to keep things tidy, and your closets won’t look so crowded and inefficient.

Programmable Thermostat

A programmable thermostat is a smart home feature that’s easy to add and will give your home some tech appeal. Homeowners get the convenience of automatic temperature adjustment on these thermostats, while saving on energy costs. For buyers who want energy efficiency, it’s a small investment with big returns.

Spruce Up Outdoor Spaces

If you have a patio, deck, or backyard, fancy it up so it becomes an inviting place to be. Brighten up the space with string lights or an outdoor rug and a comfy seating to perhaps turn this space into a nice place to entertain some friends. A small balcony can be transformed into a beautiful spot with a couple of chairs. Buyers who like to entertain or relax outdoors always find outdoor spaces appealing.

Add Some Smart Home Features

There are plenty of other smart home devices that can also bump up your home’s value beyond a thermostat. If you are still lacking in the security department, think about adding security cameras, smart locks or even a video doorbell, all of which increase convenience and security to your home. Tech savvy buyers will love these features, and they will make your property feel modern and forward thinking.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.